Quarantine Flag Quarantine flag Posted to Maritime Musings (by Dennis Bryant ) on January 6, 2012 A visible warning to stay clear. The quarantine flag, also called the “Yellow Jack”, is the international signal flag LIMA. It is square in shape. Its display is divided into four smaller squares, with two on top and two on the bottom. The smaller squares are alternately yellow and black in color. The flag is flown from a ship that is either arriving in port with known serious health problems or that has been placed under quarantine by the local port authorities. Once the local authorities have determined that the ship’s health problems have been resolved and removed the quarantine order, the ship may fly the free pratique flag (e.g., the international signal flag QUEBEC), which is solid yellow. The concept of quarantine is ancient and is mentioned in the Old Testament. The term itself is derived from the practice of the city-state of Venice during the Middle Ages of requiring ships arriving from locations known to being experiencing diseases such as the plague to anchor or moor off the port for 40 days (quaranta giorni) so that any disease on board might run its course.

The practice of quarantine has varied over the centuries, but the concept of protecting the public health by restricting the movements of individuals who are suspected of possibly harboring serious disease has remained constant. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides guidelines on how and when quarantine should be used, but its actual implementation is left to the discretion of individual nations. In the United States, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) administers the federal quarantine program, but the separate states and local communities also have broad powers. Ships arriving in a US port with serious disease on board are required to provide advance notification. The ship may be required to undertake certain sanitary measures and to exercise various controls over all persons on board to prevent them from serving as disease vectors potentially infecting the local populace. The closest we have come recently to a general quarantine affecting the maritime industry was during the 2002 SARS epidemic, which heavily impacted southeast Asia. A future pandemic, whether the result of avian flu or otherwise, may see widespread implementation of quarantine measures and flying of the quarantine flag. Flag Advisor The Flag Advisor Flag etiquette can be arcane and boggling.

We surveyed Chapmanï¿½s Piloting and our flag maker for guidance and came up with some general recommendations for boaters: Courtesy and National Flags As a gesture of courtesy, cruisers should fly a foreign nationï¿½s flag when they enter and operate in its waters. Rule No. 1ï¿½There are no real rules. Customs observed in various foreign waters differ from each other. Weï¿½ve seen cases where not flying or flying a courtesy flag improperly causes some awkward moments; you may be regarded as impolite, but nothing more. In others, itï¿½s local law to fly the flag. Officials canï¿½and doï¿½impound passports or assess fines until the proper flagï¿½which, of course, can only be purchased locally at great expenseï¿½is flying on board. If in doubt, inquire of other cruisers and observe other craft from your country for guidance. Do not fly a courtesy flag until your vessel is properly cleared by customs and immigration. Until clearance is complete, fly the yellow Q (quarantine) flag. On a mastless powerboat, the courtesy flag replaces any flag that is normally flown at the bow.

If a powerboat has a mast with spreaders, the courtesy flag is flown at the starboard spreader. On a two-masted powerboat, the courtesy flag displaces any flag normally flown at the forward spreader. On a sailboat, the courtesy flag is flown at the starboard spreader. If the sailboat has more than one mast, the courtesy flag is flown from the starboard spreader of the forward mast. Courtesy flags are usually Civil Ensignsï¿½not the national flag of the country. Not every country has a civil ensign. However, most former British colonies do; it is usually the red variant of the flag. Itï¿½s considered a horrible breach of etiquette to fly the blue national flag. So, if the flag that we catalog doesnï¿½t look exactly like the national flag that you remember, itï¿½s probably a civil ensign. Donï¿½t fly a foreign courtesy flag after you return to U. S. waters. It may show that youï¿½ve ï¿½been there,ï¿½ but itï¿½s not proper etiquette.

Generally, the vesselï¿½s national flag is flown from the stern (or leach) when a courtesy flag displaces it. Itï¿½s better form for U. S. vessels to fly the U. S. flag (the ï¿½stars and stripesï¿½ with a full complement of 50 stars) at the stern or gaff or leech, rather than a Yacht Ensign. If you want to fly a Yacht or USPS Ensign, do so from the port spreader on a sailboat. If there are multiple flag halyards available on the starboard spreader, the Yacht or USPS Ensign is flown there, inboard from the courtesy ensign. Any citizen of any state may fly the flag of that state unless doing so is specifically prohibited. It should be flown at the main masthead in place of any private, yacht club, or officerï¿½s flag. On a mastless boat, a state flag flies from either the bow or radio antenna. No flagï¿½state, heritage, Confederate, pirate, gag, or otherwiseï¿½except for the vesselï¿½s national flag, should EVER fly from the stern of your vessel.

This is considered a place of honor, for the vesselï¿½s national flag and no other. Sizing Flags Chapmanï¿½s recommends the following: The flag at the stern of your boatï¿½U. S. Ensign, Yacht Ensign, USPS Ensign, or vesselï¿½s national flagï¿½should be one inch on the fly for every foot of overall vessel length (e. g. 48ï¿½ flag for a 48ï¿½ foot vessel). Other flagsï¿½club burgees, private signals, or courtesy flagsï¿½should be ï¿½ï¿½ for every foot of overall vessel length. Christine Davis differs with a somewhat more practical approach. She suggest that you let your eye be your guide. Generally, yachts up to 50ï¿½ in length look properly ï¿½dressedï¿½ with a 16ï¿½ x 24ï¿½ ensign and 12ï¿½ x 18ï¿½ courtesy flags. Size up one step for every 25-or-so additional feet in length.

If you prefer the look of larger flags, go aheadï¿½just make sure that there is a clear 360-degree fly from your halyards. Otherwise, your flags will soon be in tatters. Other Flags There are a number of flags that once were used on large yachts with professional crews (such as owner absent, cocktail, meal, etc.). Others are still common: Diving Flags. There are two flags flown by diving operations: a red flag with a single diagonal stripe of white and International Code Flag ï¿½Aï¿½. It is generally no proper to fly dive flags on shore. Quarantine Flag. International Code Flag ï¿½Qï¿½ is flown when entering a foreign port (except Canada and a few others) or when returning to a U. S. port from a foreign cruise. It signals to customs and immigration officials that you request clearance. Take it down and replace it with a courtesy flag after formalities are complete. Union Jack.

A rectangular blue flag with 50 stars, the Union Jack may be flown as follows: Flying only at the jack staffï¿½the bow staff on modern craft Flying only during the day Flying only when moored Flying only on Sundays, national holidays, or when dressing ship Dressing Ship On national holidays, at regattas, and on other special occasions, yachts often ï¿½dress ship,ï¿½ displaying a decorative collection of International Code signal flags. The following conventions are recommended: Dress ship at 0800 and keep dress until nightfall. Keep the dressed ship moored, except for its maiden or final voyages or for participation in parades. Hoist the Ensign at the stern. Display the Union Jack (if desired) at the bow. Hoist a rainbow of International Code Flags from the waterline forward to the waterline aft from stem (or bowsprit) to the masthead(s). Bend on flags and pennants alternately.

Since there are twice as many letter as numeral pennants, it is regarded as good practice to follow the following sequence: Two flags, one pennant, two flags, one pennant, and so on A popular example with an appealing color pattern is (from forward): AB2, UJ1, KE3, GH6, IV5, FL4, DM7, PO Third Repeater, RN First Repeater, ST Zero, CX9, WQ8, ZY Second Repeater. Consult web page notes for signal flag set coverage. Quarantine Flag This page is part of © FOTW Flags Of The World website Quarantine Flag FOTW Topical Index Bandiera della sanitaria The documents of 1580 from Split mention requirement of the sanitary services to carry "bandiera della sanitaria" on ships depending on their destination. This is probably connected with plagues and would presumably mean that the ship was sanitary inspected before leaving the port. I guess that similar provision were usual elsewhere in Europe at the time (and afterwards, even until today!) however, when was this practice established and how the flag was looking like? How it was used?

I seems to remember that "quarantine flag" is supposed to be yellow - is this the same thing and was the yellow flag usual in 16th century already? Željko Heimer, 23 November 2006 Flag Quebec, plain yellow, is known as one of the oldest flags among the International Signal Code flags , but 1580 seems to me to be a bit too far back. The modern meaning is also that the ship flying it, requests free pratique and the flag declares the ship to be healthy. I have read somewhere, however, (unfortunately the original source escapes me) that plague ships were required to hoist a black flag to indicate that they have the disease onboard and are therefore under quarantine. Andries Burgers, 23 November 2006 The Quarantine Flag 1. History of the quarantine flag [This should probably be placed a "generic" page on the FOTW website on quarantine flags, which would include an index of the specific quarantine pages found on the FOTW website. The "Quarantine Flags" page , should be renamed more specifically.

This section should also be dispatched among the editors of the French, German, British, Danish, and Swedish sections of the wesbite.] The history of the quarantine flag was related by Bernard Dulou in Rose des Vents #106, 2004. Rose des Vents is the bulletin of the association ABB (Association Bateaux en Bouteille). The yellow quarantine flag is universal (Q letter in the international signal alphabet). Following the establishment of quarantine in the Mediterranean ports in the 14th century, it seems that there was for centuries no proper quarantine flag or any other quarantine signal. The first time and place of hoisting of a quarantine flag is hitherto unknown. This gap was highlighted in 1975 by Rupp, who was the first in the German naval literature to write on the quarantine flag. The oldest known information on the use of signal flags to indicate quarantine dates back to the 18th century. At the time, signals were also used to indicate the absence of contagious disease on board.

The oldes known record is to be credited to Henningen, who writes: "Danish sources give information according to which, during the great plague of 1710-1711, ships placed in quarantine should hoist a white flag." Hennigen adds that the quarantine signal should be used as the jack when the ship was in quarantine, as it was the case in 1751 in Cadix for the Swedish "Prins Carl" on her way to the East Indies. However, this flag was also hoisted as the jack to indicate that there was no contagious disease on board, as it was the case in 1799 in Capetown for the Swedish "Kongen af Danmark" on her way to China. It seems also that the Danish corvette Galathee hoisted in 1846 in Hawaii harbour a white flag in order to indicate that the health situation was normal on board. The very same white flag was then used with two opposite meanings, either quarantine or absence of disease on board.

An extract of the health report of the port of Marseilles (Health Office), dated 1730, describes the quarantine rules with details comparable to modern practice: everything is written, every member of the health service has its duty well defined, but there is no mention of a quarantine flag. All the ships were controlled on the port of the island of Pommègue, located five miles off Marseilles, where 35 ships could moor. The contaminated ships were sent to the islands of Frioul and Galiane. All the other ships were allowed to enter the port of Marseilles, provided they moored again near the St. Nicolas citadel for checking their bill of health. The small boats plying between the port and the suspect or quarantined ships flew a red pennant. In Britain, the quarantine signals were introduced in the 18th century. Mullet writes that, as from 1 January 1789, every quarantined ship off the British coast should hoist a specific signal. The daily signal was a big yellow flag whereas the night signal was a light placed on top of the mainmast. The non-observance of the rule was fined 200 pounds.

According to Fergusson, the origin of the yellow flag has to be traced back to the Middle Ages, when the heretics had to wear yellow clothes, the yellow colour being considered as the symbol of the hell fire, of betrayal, of jealousy and treachery. This was indeed a negative colour. The meaning of the "Yellow Admiral", known in the 19th century, is probably related. A "Yellow Admiral" was an old or supernumerary Captain who, short before retirement, was appointed Rear Admiral without ever having hoisted their personal flag on a ship of either the red, yellow or blue squadron. The name of "Yellow jack" given by the British seamen to the yellow fever seems to be related, too. During the great plague epidemics, it was common to mark the houses of the infected houses with a yellow cross and to force their inhabitants to wear yellow clothes. An English Decree dated 1799 prescribes the size of the quarantine flag as "six breadths of bunting", which means six times the size of an ordinary flag.

The "London Gazette" from 6 April 1805 published a Decree prescribing in detail the quarantine moorage, limited by yellow buoys topped with a yellow flag. The Decree from 10 October 1806, however, prescribed an "eight breadths of bunting yellow and black flag". In 1832, the Nautical Magazine published a Decree, similarly prescribing a flag with yellow and black squares, eight breadths of bunting in size, to be hoisted by the quarantined ships on the coasts of Britain. The signal had to be hoisted on top of the mainmast. The naive lacking the bill of health has to fly on day a big yellow flag with a black ring or a plain black disc in the middle. This flag was tow breadths of bunting in size. In Germany, the oldest record of the use of a quarantine flag is found in a report by Janssen, the Chief Pilot of the port of Hamburg. For long, there was no choice between the green and pale yellow colours for the flag. It was claimed that those two monocolour flag would prevent confusion with any national ensign.

Therefore, the green flag was used for long in Hamburg as the quarantine flag. In 1856, a Decree lists also toe yellow flag: "All the ships submitted to a quarantine inspection are allowed to sail up the river Elbe and to moor under the quarantine flag. The flag is a green flag, two ells in size, hoisted on the foremast. The ships not having such a flag shall used a yellow flag or the national ensign." In the Health Inspection Decree of the ships of the port of Hamburg issued in 1883, only the yellow flag is prescribed. The international use therefore eventually prevailed. Denmark adopted the international use in 1887 by a Notice published on 20 June, recommending the use of a yellow flag to the Danish ships. Today, the Q signal flag is included in the international signal code. Hoisted alone, it means: "My ship is healthy and I require the free practice." Indeed, it is mostly used to require the inspection by the customs authorities, but that use is not strictly the same everywhere.

In Britain, every ship coming from abroad must hoist the Q flag on the port side and wait for the customers, who are also in charge of immigration and health control. In theory, the crew shall not be allowed to land before the completion of the inspection. The procedure is simpler in France, where only the ships transporting goods to be declared have to hoist the Q flag. An illustration of the yellow flag can be seen on the painting "HMS Hazard flying yellow quarantine flag", by Sir Oswald Walter Brierly (1817-1894, painting made 20 September 1841), kept in the National Maritime Museum , London. 2. Origin of the word "quarantine" The website of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service explains the origin of the word "quarantine" as follows: "The word quarantine comes from the Italian quaranti giorni, meaning '40 days'. When bubonic plague swept through Europe in the 14th century, the government of Venice required ships to anchor away from the city for 40 days before they could unload passengers or cargo.

The authorities thought 40 days would be enough time for any disease to be identified and either treated or pass through its normal course. All ships under quarantine had to fly a yellow flag." Ivan Sache, 26 November 2006 Responses History As I already suggested the ports in Adriatic had regulations regarding the " bandera della sanitaria " in 16th century as well established practice. The question is, for the time being how this was looking like, but that is an other issue. I hope to provide more details on the practice eventually. I guess that this is at least suspicious and that with the research of Venetian and other Adriatic (and Mediterranean) ports' documents would reveal that quarantine flags were in use ever since the concept of the quarantine was introduced in 14th century.

Željko Heimer, 26 November 2006 Origin of the word The article from Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service seems to imply that the yellow flag was established already in 14th century (if you read it giving some leeway), however, this needed not to be the intention of the writer - he might have just claimed that the yellow flag is traditional for this purpose nowadays as quite an old heritage, but not necessarily from Venetians. Željko Heimer, 26 November 2006 Quarantine Laws Dressing Ship with Nautical Flags - Gettysburg Flag Works BlogGettysburg Flag Works Blog Dressing Ship with Nautical Flags by Michael Cronin If you’ve ever attended a regatta or other large boating event, you’ve probably noticed that the ships are adorned with brightly colored boat flags that are both beautiful to look at and that convey U.S. and international codes and signals. The nautical signal flags you see flying from the masts are carefully selected based on their meanings and are raised following strict protocol.

Anatomy of a Dressed Ship A ship is considered “dressed” when the largest national ensign assigned to the ship is flown from the flagstaff with a national ensign displayed at each masthead. National ensigns at the masthead must be of uniform size, except if there is a substantial difference in the heights of the mastheads. Stretching down from the masthead is a rainbow of nautical signal flags that reach all the way to the foot of the jackstaff, and then to the foot of the flagstaff. When the boat flags are displayed in that way, the ship is considered fully dressed. Usually, a ship is dressed from stemhead to masthead, masthead to masthead and then to the taffrail. A ship need not be dressed with an array of signal flags as long as it has an ensign flying from each masthead. Types of Nautical Signal Flags and Associated Customs Boat flags are much more than simply for decoration. There are some flags that have universal meaning in international waters, and they might let other sailors know a ship’s purpose, warnings or even be sending distress signals.

For example, the “alphabet” flags have meanings that include B (Bravo), which indicates that the ship is taking on or discharging explosives; F (Foxtrot), which means that the ship is disabled and requests that another ship communicate with the crew; M (Mike), which lets other seamen know that there is a doctor on board; W (Whiskey) which means that a member of the crew or a passenger requires medical assistance; Y (Yankee) which indicates that the vessel is dragging its anchor, and others. Even NATO uses these same flags alone or in short sets to communicate unclassified messages. Traditionally, the nautical signal flags are made up of 26 square flags (the alphabet flags), 10 numbered pendants and three substitutes (or “repeaters”). Flags only come in red, blue, yellow, black and white because those are the most easily recognizable colors at sea. In What Order Should Boat Flags Fly? Sometimes a navy will prescribe a specific flag order for a war ship in order to ensure that there are no hidden meanings conveyed or interpreted by the order of the flags. Also, some navies like to have uniformity in the appearance of their ships.

However, in most cases, a seaman selects the order of his flags only to evenly distribute the flag colors, but without a specific order, theme or purpose. Often, there is a deliberate avoidance of possible flag order because the crew does not want the flags to be interpreted as signaling a particular message. Since there are twice as many alphabet boat flags as there are pennants, most ships will display two flags, one pennant, two flags, one pennant, and so on. Often, the number of flags flying will send a message to other ships. For example, two-flag signals indicate distress or maneuvering; three flags could mean compass points, relative bearings, general code and decode signals and others; four flags show geographic signals, ship names, bearings and similar signals. How to Dress a Ship On a celebration day or other day when you’re planning to dress ship, you would begin at eight o’clock in the morning when the ship is at anchor (unless it is the ship’s maiden or final voyage, which are the only times when a ship should be dressed at sea).

The national ensign should be hoisted at the stern staff, and then the rainbow of nautical signal flags from the international code is arranged from the water line forward to the water line aft by using the stem or bowsprit end and the masthead. Here’s one example of a sequence (as pictured above) that would provide a nice color pattern, though it is not required: AB2, UJ1, KE3, GH6, IV5, FL4, DM7, PO Third Repeater, RN First Repeater, ST Zero, CX9, WQ8, ZY Second Repeater When to Dress Ship Dressing ships usually takes place on national holidays, at regattas and on other special occasions. An anchored ship may be dressed at 0800 hours (or eight in the morning) and remains dressed until the evening. If it’s a vessel’s maiden or final voyage, or if it is participating in a marine parade or similar event, then the dressing could accommodate those situations. If a ship is firing a salute to honor the president or a former president, or in honor of a U.S. national anniversary like Presidents’ Day or Independence Day, the U.S.

national ensign is flown at the head of the main mast. If the salute is to honor another country or a foreign dignitary, that country’s ensign is flown. The days when it is customary to dress ship and fly holiday colors are as follows: International Dressing Ship Customs When you are visiting a foreign port or traveling in foreign waters, it’s customary to display a courtesy flag, which is the civil ensign of that country. By the same token, the USPS (U.S. Power Squadrons) and U.S. yacht ensigns should not be worn in foreign waters. Even a mastless vessel can display this courtesy by wearing the courtesy flat at the bow or on a starboard antenna. Customs in foreign waters do vary, so if you’re planning to sail in foreign seas, it’s best to learn the correct procedure for the waters in which you’ll be traveling. Some countries expect that foreign vessels only fly the courtesy flag after the quarantine flag (the yellow “Q” nautical signal flag) has been lowered and the vessel is granted license to enter by that country’s officials. When you return to U.S. waters, lower the foreign courtesy flag. It’s not a “badge” or showing of accomplishment for having visited overseas.

However, if you have a foreign guest sailing on your ship, you may display the ensign of that person’s country from the bow staff or outboard port spreader. Be sure that if you’re going to fly a courtesy flag, you’re sure that you’ve hoisted it properly. If the flag is upside down or in the wrong position, citizens of that country could find it very offensive! There are also regional courtesy flags. It’s important to know the local customs before you visit. Some French regional flags are traditionally flown above the French ensign, yet the Catalan flag is flown below the Spanish ensign. So, the best way to approach foreign waters is to do your research ahead of time so that you’re aware of the specific nuances of the territory. Sources: Hey Mike: Long time no see. One more thing : On a sailing vessel, the National Ensign is normally flown either from a stern staff or on the leech of the aftermost sail, approximately 2/3 of the way up, or at the top of the aftermost gaff on a gaff rig boat. The International Code of Signals (1916) Hints to Candidates for Certificates of Competency at Board of Trade Examinations.

______ THE EXAMINATION as to the New International Code of Signals will tend to elicit whether the Candidate possesses-- 1st.--A knowledge of the distinctive features of the Code. 2nd.--The power of making and interpreting with facility Signals made with Flags. 3rd.--The power of interpreting Signals made by the Semaphore, and by Shapes as for Distant Signals. 4th.--The power of communicating and interpreting Signals by the Morse Code--either by Flashing a Light, Blasts of Sound, or by Flag Waving. Note.--The Flags of the New International Code are given in Colour The Examination will be a practical one, by means of the Signal Book, Flags, and Models, with which the Examiners are furnished. The Candidate, to enable him to master the important points which he might be called upon to answer, should be familiar with the following:-- SPECIAL FLAGS OF THE INTERNATIONAL CODE. __________ A short description of the special flags of the International Code is hereby given and the candidate should be careful to remember their meanings, as the examiner may request a description of the flags and their special significations without allowing the candidate to see them. A is a burgee, one of the only two burgees that exist in the International Code.

It is White and Blue, divided vertically. The White half is next to the mast (or at the hoist), the Blue half is at the fly, which is swallow tailed. A hoisted as a special signal denotes that it is flown from one of H.M. ships when on full speed trials. B like A is a burgee; it is all Red and is used as a "powder" flag by vessels having explosives on board. C is a white pennant with a red ball in the centre. Hoisted singly it is an "affirmative" flag and denotes "Yes." D is a Blue pennant with a white ball in the centre and is a "negative" flag. When hoisted singly it denotes "No." E is also a pennant of three colours, Red at the hoist, White in the centre and Blue at the fly. If E alone is hoisted at the masthead and the flag J in any position inferior to it, it denotes when a British merchant vessel desires to exercise semaphore signalling with one of H.M. ships or another British merchant vessel. If E is hoisted under the Red Ensign and J in any position inferior to it, it means that one of H.M.

ships wishes to answer semaphore signalling with a British merchant vessel. If a man-of-war is willing to exercise semaphore signalling, E may be hoisted under the Red Ensign, together with the Answering pennant at the top and close up when ready to take in exercise. If a merchant ship is willing to exercise, E may be hoisted where best seen and the necessary pennant at the top close up when ready to exercise. F is a Red pennant with a White St. George's Cross. Hoisted on ships of H.M. fleet, it denotes Guardship No. 2. G is a Yellow and Blue pendant, Yellow at the hoist and Blue at the fly. Hoisted with code flag on top, it denotes Alphabetical Signal No. 3. H is the first Square flag of the alphabet; it is white and red divided vertically, the White at the hoist and the Red at the fly. Hoisted with code flag on top signifies "I wish to communicate." I is a square Yellow flag with a Black ball in the centre. Hoisted singly denotes "I have not a clean bill of health." J is a square flag of Blue, White and Blue, divided horizontally (White stripe in centre).

Hoisted with code flag on top it denotes "I have head way." When used in the Royal Navy and flown singly it is the Semaphore flag. K is a square flag, Yellow and Blue divided vertically. Yellow at the hoist, Blue at the fly. Hoisted with code flag on top, it denotes "I have stern way." L is a square flag, Yellow and Black quartered. Yellow at the upper hoist, Yellow at Lower fly. Flown separately, it is used to denote, "I have or had some dangerous, infectious disease on board." M is a square Blue flag with a White St. Andrew's Cross. Flown with code flag on top, it denotes "Numeral Signal No. 1." Flown separately on one of H.M. ships, it denotes "Medical Guard." N is a square Blue and White chequered flag. It has sixteen squares, the square in the upper hoist and lower fly being Blue. Flown with code flag on top, it denotes "Numeral Signal No. 2." O is a square flag, Yellow and Red divided diagonally. Yellow at hoist and Red at fly. Hoisted with code flag on top it denotes "Numeral Signal No.

3." P is a square Blue flag with a White square in centre. Hoisted separately, it is known as the Departure flag and indicates that the vessel hoisting it is about to sail. Q is a square Yellow flag. In foreign waters flown separately, it is hoisted on quarantine hospitals. Hoisted when entering ports it denotes "I have a clean bill of health, but am liable to quarantine." R is a square Red flag with a yellow St. George's Cross. Hoisted with code flag on top signifies "Do not pass ahead of me." S is a square White flag with a Blue square in centre. Hoisted separately, it is the International Signal for a Pilot. T is a square tricolour flag, Red, White and Blue, Red at hoist, Blue at fly. Hoisted with code flag on top, it denotes "Do not overtake me." U is a square Red and White quartered flag, Red at upper hoist and at Lower fly. Hoisted with code flag on top it indicates "My engines are stopped." V is a square White flag with a Red St. Andrew's Cross.

Hoisted with code flag on top, it indicates "My engines are going full speed astern." W is a White flag with a Blue Border, Red square in centre. Hoisted with code flag on top indicates "All boats return to the ship." N.B.--This flag hoisted separately at ports abroad is extensively used by ships to indicate when fresh water is required. X is a square White flag with a Blue St. George's Cross. Hoisted with code flag on top indicates "I will pass ahead of you." Y is a square flag with five Yellow bars intersected with five Red bars diagonally placed. Yellow at upper hoist, Red at lower fly. Hoisted with code flag on top indicates, "All ships of convoy are to rejoin company." Z is a square Black, Yellow, Blue and Red flag, quartered diagonally. Black at mast, Blue at fly, Yellow at top, Red at bottom. Hoisted with code flag on top, it indicates "I will pass astern of you." The Answering pennant. Red and white stripes vertically placed, Red at hoist, Red at fly. The Red flag is intersected by the two White vertical portions.

Hoisted separately it is used as an Answering pennant, as a code flag it is used under the Ensign. Pilot Jack. A square Union Jack with a White border. It is used separately as a pilot signal or on the chart staff of a merchant ship when anchored. Remarks on the International Signal Code Flags. There are two burgees in the code, A and B. Burgees are swallow-tailed flags. There are six pennants (including the Answering pennant) in the code. Three of the square flags contain Black, the I, the L, and the Z. Nine of the square flags contain Red, the H, the O, the R, the T, the U, the V, the W, the V and the Z. Eight of the square flags contain Yellow, the G, the K, the L, the O, the Q, the R, the Y, and the Z. Two square flags of the code contain St. Andrew's Cross, the M and the V. Three flags of the code contain St. George's Cross, the F (pendant) and the square flags R and X. Three of the flags have squares in centre, the P, the S, and the W.

Three of the flags have balls in the centre, the pennants C, the D, and the square flag I. Three of the square flags are chequered, the L, the N, and the U. Two of the flags are tricolours, the pennant E, and the square flag T. C may be termed the White pennant. D the Blue pennant. F the fiery pennant. G the Yellow pennant. The first step to be taken by one who desires to learn signalling is to thoroughly study the code flags and their significations. HOW THE INTERNATIONAL SIGNAL BOOK IS ARRANGED. _______________ In opening the New International Code Book you are assisted in putting the pages in the best position for reference, by throwing over the leaves to one side or the other by the broad green band. The book from the centre, being indiced throughout for ready reference, on the left side you have in the order named after the coloured flag sheets, and other explanatory matter. 1.--Signals by one Flag for vessels Towing and being Towed. 2.--Urgent and Important Signals by Code Flag over any one Flag.

3.--Urgent and Important Signals by any Two Flags AB to ZY 4.--Compass Signals by Three Flags ABC to AST 5.--Monies of the World Signals by Three Flags ASU to AVJ 6.--Weights and Measures of the World Signals by Three Flags AVK to BCN 7.--Decimals and Fractions Signals by Three Flags BCO to BDZ 8.

-Auxiliary Phrases Signals by Three Flags BEA to CWT 9.--General Vocabulary Signals by Three Flags CXA to SKZ -------Here is the Centre of the Signal Book.------- And on the right side you have the remainder of General Vocabulary Signals by Three Flags from SLA to ZNP 10.--Latitude and Longitude Signals by Code Flag over Two Flags AB to KP 11.--Divisions of Time (h.m.s.) Signals by Code Flag over Two Flags KQ to QL 12.--Barometer Signals by Code Flag over Two Flags QM to TS 13.--Thermometer Signals by Code Flag over Two Flags TU to ZV 14.--Numeral Table Signals by Code Flag under Two Flags UA to ZY 15.--Geographical Signals by any Four Flags ABCD to BFAU 16.--Alphabetical Spelling Table Signals by any Four Flags CBDF to CZYX THE CODE FLAG IS THE ANSWERING PENNANT. ___________ When used as the "Code Flag" it is hoisted under the Ensign at the Peak; when used as the "Answering Pennant" it is hoisted at the Foretop, or where best seen.

Resume of the Different Hoists Required SIGNALS MADE BY ONE FLAG Are shown by hand, just over the gunwale, and are used only by vessels towing and being towed. SIGNALS MADE BY TWO FLAGS Are Urgent and Important Signals (1*), either made by Code Flag over one flag or by combinations of any two flags AB to ZY. There are also in Alphabetical Spelling Signals, signals made by one, two, three or four flags as explained on page 24 where the Code Flag is hoisted over E, F, or G. The same applies to Numeral Signals as explained on page 25 where the Code Flag is hoisted over M, N, or O. SIGNALS MADE BY THREE FLAGS.

Code flag over Two Flags AB to DH, Latitude Signals (2*) Code flag over Two Flags DI to KP, Longitude Signals (2*) Code flag over Two Flags KQ to QL, Time (H.M.S.) Signals (2*) Code flag over Two Flags QM to TS, Barometer Signals (2*) Code flag over Two Flags TU to ZV, Thermometer Signals (2*) Code flag under Two Flags UA to ZY, Numeral Signals (2*) Also Signals By any Three Flags, ABC to AST are Compass Signals (3*) By any Three Flags, ASU to AVJ are Money Signals (4*) By any Three Flags, AVK to BCN are Measures and Weights Signals (4*) By any Three Flags, BCO to BDZ are Decimals and Fractions Signals (4*) By any Three Flags, BEA to CWT are Auxiliary Phrases (5*) By any Three Flags, CXA to ZNP are General Vocabulary (6*) 1*--Urgent Signals imply attention or demand--as DS, "Pay attention," NM, "I am on fire," &c.

They relate to "Distress," "Danger," "Directions to a vessel under way," "Caution," &c. They are consequently of the utmost importance, and should never be neglected. 2*--Signals having the Code Flag either over or under Two Flags are Special Signals, and must be given or read from the part of the Code Book under the separate Heads or Sections. 3*--Compass Signals are given in Degrees (the most precise method), also in Points and Half Points. When given in Degrees they are to be understood as being Magnetic Bearings, i.e., Compass Bearings corrected for the local attraction due to the vessel (deviation). When given in Points or Half Points, they are to be understood as being Compass Bearings, i.e., Bearings as shown by the Compass, and uncorrected for either deviation or variation. True Bearings are Compass Bearings corrected for deviation and variation. 4*--Money, Weights and Measures, Decimals and Fractions, have Special Signals devoted to them, and are only to be given and read from their respective sections.

5*--Auxiliary Phrases, i.e., Phrases containing the Auxiliary Verbs, or forming sentences or parts of sentences in frequent use, these may be more readily consulted in this part of Code Book when making a Signal, but all are given fully in the General Vocabulary. 6*--General Vocabulary.--This is the index to most of the Signalling required in general practice, and to which chief reference is made when making a Signal. It embraces Urgent and Important Signals, also Auxiliary Phrases. This part, as in all the others, being in alphabetical order, you have first to determine the subject of your Signal--such as "Cargo," "Leak," "Wreck," "Enemy," "War," &c., and open the Signal Book at that word, and all possible renderings of it are conveniently arranged from which to select the Signal that suits the occasion. SIGNALS MADE BY FOUR FLAGS. Any Combination with Flag G uppermost are names of Men-of-War. Any Combination from HBCD and succeeding letters of alphabet are names of Merchant vessels. These two last are found in the Supplement to Code Book.

There are no two Signal Hoists of same character in the Code Book, the alphabet being repeated with different combinations of letters from A to Z singly, and also combined with the Code Flag (Urgent and Important Signals); then there are Signals of a combination of two flags of the Code, or with the Code Flag either above or below any two flags of the Code. Three Flag Signals beginning with Compass, Money, &c., also run through the alphabet from ABC to ZNP. Four Flag Signals, when signalling from the Code Book, are only used for Geographical Signals when the Burgess A or B is uppermost. Alphabetical Spelling Signals when the Pennant C is uppermost. The only other four Flag Signals used at sea are for Names of Men-of-War when the Pennant G is uppermost; or Names of Merchant Ships when flag H or any succeeding letter is uppermost and which forms the Ship's Distinguishing Signal. The last two Signals, "Names of Men - of - War," and of "Merchant Ships," are to be found in the "Supplement to Code Book," and in the "Mercantile Navy List." FOUR FLAG SIGNALS.

7*--In addition to the Distinguishing Signal (i.e., Ship's Signal) of vessels, which has flag H or any other succeeding letter of alphabet uppermost, and the names of Men-of-War which have Pennant G uppermost, there are only two kinds of Signals having four flags in the International Code Book; these are the Geographical Signals which have Burgees A or B uppermost, and Spelling Table Signals, which have Pennant C uppermost. 8*--Alphabetical Spelling Table.--This table can be used in communications between vessels of all countries employing the Roman characters A, B, C, &c. An alternative system of making Alphabetical Signals is explained at page 23 . Suppose the examiner makes a hoist. The candidate must, from the form of the hoist and the flag which is uppermost, be able to explain the nature of the signal indicated. Or, the examiner may desire the candidate to make a hoist as--"Hoist a Compass Signal," "Hoist a Latitude Signal," "Hoist an Urgent Signal," etc.

In either case, if the candidate is thoroughly acquainted with the letters, or rather signs, which form the hoist of these signals enumerated on pages 13, 14, and 19 marked (1*) to (8*) he cannot fail to make the required hoist, or to interpret any signal made, whichever may be required of him. A plate is given (No. IV.) illustrating the several hoists of two, three, and four flags. As an exercise a candidate can put on paper any similar signals from the different sections, which he can choose for himself, and compare them with the hoists which are given on Plate IV. ______________ INSTRUCTIONS HOW TO SIGNAL. _______ In the following instructions the ship making the signal is called "A"; the ship signalled to is called "B." _______ Ship "A," wishing to make a signal, hoists her Ensign with the Code Flag under it.

2.-- If more than one vessel or signal station is in sight, and the signal is intended for a particular vessel or signal station, ship "A" should indicate which vessel or signal station she is addressing by making the distinguishing signal (i.e., the signal letters) of the vessel or station with which she desires to communicate. 3.-- If the distinguishing signal is not known ship "A" should make use of one of the signals, DI to DQ ( page 32 ). 4.-- When ship "A" has been answered by the vessel she is addressing (see paragraph 9) she hoists her own distinguishing signal (signal letters) and then proceeds with the signal which she desires to make, first hauling down her Code Flag if it is required for making the signal. 5.-- Signals should always be hoisted where they can best be seen, and not necessarily at the masthead. 6.-- Each hoist should be kept flying until ship "B" hoists her Answering Pennant "Close up" (see paragraph 10). 7.-- When ship "A" has finished signalling she hauls down her Ensign and her Code Flag, if the latter has not already been hauled down (see paragraph 4).

8.-- When it is desired to make a signal it should be looked out in the General Vocabulary. HOW TO ANSWER A SIGNAL. 9.-- Ship "B" (the ship signalled to), on seeing the signal made by ship "A," hoists her Answering Pennant at the "Dip." (A flag is at the "Dip" when it is hoisted about two-thirds of the way up, that is, some little distance below where it would be when hoisted close up.) The Answering Pennant should always be hoisted where it can best be seen. 10.-- When "A's" hoist has been taken in, looked out in the Signal Book, and is understood, "B" hoists her Answering Pennant "Close up" and keeps it there until "A" hauls her hoist down. 11.-- NOTES ON SIGNALLING. _______ 1. PLURALS.--To facilitate the translation of the Code into foreign languages the plurals of words given in the Signal Book have been omitted. The words should be regarded as being used in the singular, unless the contrary is indicated by the context. 2.

WHEN MAKING SIGNALS FOR COMPARING CHRONOMETERS ( page 51 ) OR SHOWING THE MEAN TIME.--Vessel "A" is to hoist the signal denoting the hour, and shortly after the signal has been answered by "B" dip it sharply to denote the precise instant used for comparison. The signals denoting the minutes and seconds shown by the chronometer at the instant of dipping are then to be hoisted. To ensure accuracy a second comparison should be made. 3. IN SIGNALLING THE LONGITUDE OR THE TIME.--Vessels should always reckon from the meridian of Greenwich, except French vessels, which will use the meridian of Paris. If any doubt is entertained the vessel to whom the signal is made should hoist NBL--What is your first meridian? 4. MERIDIANS.--The British meridian is Greenwich 0h. 0m. 0s. The meridian of Paris (Observatory) is 2° 20' 15" east of Greenwich, or 0h. 9m. 21s.

The meridian of Cadiz (San Fernando Observatory) is 6° 12' 24" west of Greenwich, or 0h. 24m. 49·6s. 5. PASSING VESSELS.--Ships passing one another or signal stations will do well to hoist the following signals in the order shown:-- (1) National Colours with the Code Signal under them. (The Ensign should be kept flying until all communication is ended; the Code Flag may be hauled down if it is required for making a signal.) (2) Ship's name (signal letters). (3) Where from. (5) Number of days out. (6) My longitude by chronometer is. The Ensign should be dipped and rehoisted as a farewell. When vessels are passing each other quickly time will be saved if instead of hoisting the Answering Pennant they exchange signals in the following manner:-- On reading "A's" name (that is, distinguishing signal) "B" should hoist hers. "A" should not haul down until she understands "B's" hoist, when both ships should haul down together, and proceed in the order suggested above. 6.

DISTINGUISHING SIGNALS (Signal letters).--It is the custom on board some ships to keep the flags of their distinguishing signal bent together. If this is done a toggle or some other mark should be used to prevent the flags being bent on and hoisted upside down. 7. PROCEDURE WHEN SIGNALLING NAMES AND ADDRESSES.--The following course is to be followed when making a signal which contains the ship's name and the owners' name and address. Ship "A" wishing to obtain orders from her owner will make-- 1. Her distinguishing signal (signal letters). 2. The signal SW--"I wish to obtain orders from my owner, Mr. ---- at ----." 3. The owner's name spelling it letter by letter, or by using the Alphabetical Spelling Table. 4. The owner's address spelling it letter by letter, or by using the Alphabetical Spelling Table. Signals from the Geographical Table can also be used in some cases. Figures can be made by Numeral Signals or by the Numeral Table. Example:--Ship "A" wishes to get orders from her owner (say) "Mr. C.

Thorold, at 256 Lombard Street, London." Having hoisted her National Colours with the Code Signal under them she makes the following signals: AEHV= "London." ALPHABETICAL (SPELLING) SIGNALS. Under the arrangement explained below, every flag hoisted after Alphabetical Signal No. 1 has been made, and until Alphabetical Signal No. 3, or Numeral Signal No. 1 is made, represents the letter of the alphabet which has been allotted to it in the Code. As each of the 26 letters of the alphabet is now represented by a flag, any word can be spelt by this system. If the word to be spelt consists of more than four letters, two or more hoists must be used, as no hoist is to contain more than four flags, and, if any letter occurs more than once in the word, this letter must on its second occurrence begin or be in a second hoist, and on its third occurrence must begin or be in a third hoist. The following are the signals to be used:-- Code Flag over G = Alphabetical Signals are ended. An alternative method of spelling words is provided by the Alphabetical Spelling Table. NUMERAL SIGNALS.

_______ Under the arrangement shown below, every flag hoisted after Numeral Signal No. 1 has been made, and until Numeral Signal No. 3 or Alphabetical Signal No 1 has been made, represents one or more figures, as indicated in the Numeral Table below. If the number to be signalled consists of more than four figures, two or more hoists must be used, as no hoist is to contain more than four flags; and if any figure occurs more than once in the same number, the figure must on its second occurrence begin or be in a second hoist, and on its third occurrence it must begin to be in a third hoist, unless use can be made of the signals K to Z in the Numeral Table below. The following are the signals to be used:-- = "I will pass astern of you." There is also a much enlarged series of "Urgent and Important Signals" made with any combination of two Flags, from Flags AB to ZY.

Both of these series of Signals are, however, all included in the General Vocabulary, which is the part of the Signal Book generally used for giving a signal, excepting when a Compass, Money, Weights, Measures, Decimals, Fractions, Numeral Table, Latitude, Longitude, Division of Time, Barometer, Thermometer, Numeral, Geographical, or Alphabetical Spelling Table Signal is required. When it is wished to signal any of these, reference must be made to that part of the Signal Book which is specially designed to meet each case. International Code Flags or Signaling Flags - BoatSafe.com International Code Flags or Signaling Flags Although you may never see them displayed except at fleet parades, around naval installations, and areas with heavy international shipping traffic, International code flags are used to signal between two ships or between ship and shore. Also called signaling flags, they are a set of flags of different colors, shapes and markings which used singly or in combination have different meanings. The flags include 26 square flags which depict the letters of the alphabet, ten numeral pendants, one answering pendant, and three substituters or repeaters. Only a few colors can be readily distinguished at sea.

These are: red, blue, yellow, black, and white; and these cannot be mixed indiscriminately. You will notice, for clarity, the flags shown are either red and white, yellow and blue, blue and white, or black and white; besides plain red, white, and blue. One-flag signals are urgent or very common signals (see meanings below). Two-flag signals are mostly distress and maneuvering signals. Three-flag signals are for points of the compass, relative bearings, standard times, verbs, punctuation, also general code and decode signals. Four-flags are used for geographical signals, names of ships, bearings, etc. Five-flag signals are those relating to time and position. Six-flag signals are used when necessary to indicate north or south or east or west in latitude and longitude signals. Seven-flags are for longitude signals containing more than one hundred degrees. Some Useful Two Letter Signals: AC - I am abandoning my vessel. LO - I am not in my correct position: used by a light vessel. RU - Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering with difficulty. AN - I need a doctor. NC - I am in distress and require immediate assistance. SO - You should stop your vessel instantly. BR - I require a helicopter.

PD - Your navigation lights are not visible. UM - the Harbour is closed to traffic. CD - I require immediate assistance. PP - Keep well clear of me. UP - Permission to enter Harbour is urgently requested. I have an emergency. DV - I am drifting. QD - I am going ahead. YU - I am going to communicate with your station by means of the International code of signals. EF - SOS/MAYDAY has been canceled. QT - I am going astern. ZD1 - Please report me to the Coast Guard, New York FA - Will you give me my position? QQ - I require health clearance. ZD2 - Please report me to Lloyds, London. GW - Man overboard. Please take action to pick him up. QU - Anchoring is prohibited. ZL - Your signal has been received but not understood. JL - You are running the risk of going aground. QX - I request permission to anchor. Flag Courtesy: & Merchant Flag U.S. Yacht Ensign It is usually appropriate to fly the U.S. National Ensign (flag) or U.S. Yacht Ensign at the stern of your vessel.

However, when operating internationally, say going to the Bahamas, once in foreign waters you are required to fly the "Q" Flag or "Quarantine Flag" until you have cleared customs. This flag should be hoisted on the starboard spreader. If you are on a power boat with no mast, the "Q" flag can be displayed on the bow. It is also customary to fly the country's courtesy flag when operating in the waters of that country. After clearing customs, the "Q" flag should be replaced with the country's courtesy flag. Dont fly a foreign courtesy ensign after you have returned to U.S. waters. It may show that you have "been there," but it is not proper flag etiquette. Customs regulations and clearance procedures and costs may differ from one foreign country to another. Be sure and check your cruising guide for the proper procedures or try inquiring locally by radio prior to entering a foreign port. Although I have found that most custom officials speak some English or have access to someone who does, dont forget that you are in their country and you should be prepared to communicate with them in their language. So, now that you know all about signaling flags, get them out and wave them high.

Related Articles: Flag Etiquette - Cruisers & Sailing Forums Flag Etiquette Location: Marlborough Sounds. New Zealand Boat: Hartley Tahitian 45ft. Leisure Lady Posts: 8,038 Images: 102 Study Hall: Flag Etiquette This question is so common and often followed by a confusing answer. So here it is all spelled out. Little other that the type of ensign flown is generally subject to law. The rest is based on maritime tradition that varies a little from country to country. Guidelines have been issued by many sailing associations, private clubs, etc. Ensign: This is the owners national maritime flag. This is the maritime flag indicating a vessel's nationality (country of registration). The Ensign takes pride of place at the stern, the position of greatest honour on a ship. It should be flown as close to the stern as possible on a flagstaff, or 2/3 up the leech of the aft sail, or at the peak if gaff rigged, or from the mizzen mast head for ketches and yawls. Traditionally it is not flown all the time. It is hoisted when someone is on board.

It should be hoisted at sunrise or 0800 (or 0900 in the winter) and lowered at 2100 or sunset. Customs vary between countries. It should be lowered when racing . It is not worn after the 5 min gun, unless retired from the race . It can be hoisted after crossing the finish line. The size considered aesthetically pleasing is generally 1" per foot of vessel. One act that is not done much anymore, is to dip your Ensign to a Royal Yacht or Warship. Once you have dipped, you wait for a dip from the other ship and wait till they rehoist. Then you may rehoist your own Ensign. Don't be disapointed if a Warship does not do this for you, they tend to be rather busy these days watching out for us little fellows below than whether you have dipped your ensign or not. Special Ensigns Certain yacht clubs may be granted a warrant to use a special ensign, which may be a defaced ensign or a different colour that may be plain or defaced.

It must be worn in conjunction with the relevant burgee and must only be worn when the warrant holder is on board or "nearby", other wise the conventional national maritime ensign must be worn. A defaced ensign may have special conditions attached to its use eg it may sometimes only be used in home waters. Club Burgee: This flag takes second pride of place. You may fly it on your own yacht or one you are chartering or borrowing. You do not fly your club burgee when racing . The normal place to fly a burgee is from a flag stick at the main mast head . Not such an easy place to reach on a sailboat, so the lower spreader on the starboard side is an alternative. Transfer to the port side if a courtesy flag or signal flags are flown. No flag should be worn above the burgee on the same halyard . This is also a flag that is flown only when the member is onboard or in the close vicinity. The flag travels with the member , not the yacht.

Courtesy Flag: Out of courtesy, any vessel visiting a foreign port should fly that country's maritime ensign or national flag depending on the country (for the UK it is the Red Duster, for Australia it is either the Australian National Flag or the Australian Red Ensign). It must never be flown "inferior" to flag other than yacht's ensign or a club burgee if it is on the mast halyard . It is generally flown on the starboard halyard or if tied to a dock then in some countries (eg Denmark) the dockside spreader should be used. When in use on the starboard spreader, transfer anything other than signal flags or regional flags to the port spreader. Generally there is no law governing the display of this, but it is usually considered insulting not to fly the flag of the host country in their territorial waters. If not flown it may upset officials and you may be refused entry (it has been threatened in Gibraltar). If it is in poor condition you may be fined (it has occurred in the US).

House flags: (the owner's or charterer's flags eg clubs, associations, private flags, including CF flag) Customs vary between countries as to whether these are flown on the port or starboard spreader, although if starboard is in use port is always selected. In some countries the masthead is acceptable. The flag travels with the member , not the yacht. Charterer/guest flag: (Honour flag) Either a maritime or national flag representing a charterer's/guest's/skipper's nationality can be flown from the port spreader, or in some countries the starboard spreader if it is not in use. This is a new custom and is an area that protocol varies significantly between countries as to what should be flown and where. If several countries need to be represented, fly them on separate halyards alphabetically from port to starboard. - The USPS (US) suggest the ensign of the guest's country may be flown from the port spreader. No mention is made of charterers. - The RYA (UK) state the custom has sprung up of a charterer indicating his own nationality by wearing an ensign at the port crosstrees. No mention is made of guests.

- In Poland the national flags of charterer/guests/crew are shown under the port spreader. - Danish National Flag Etiquette (published by the Danish National Sailing Association and the Danish Royal Yacht Club) states the guest's national flag may be flown under the starboard spreader, retiring to port if the starboard is needed for something else (although it is considered incorrect to fly any ensign on the starboard spreader other than that of the host country). Regional Flag (eg Scottish flag) Flown on the starboard flag halyard below the courtesy flag if used. These should not be flown at sea if they may be mistaken for signal flags. Quarantine Flag: This is a yellow flag that is flown upon entry to a foreign port. Failure to do so can cause all sorts of issues. Flying a yellow flag means you are declaring that your vessel and persons on board are healthy and that you require free Pratique and Customs Clearance. It is generally flown on starboard spreader halyard below the courtesy flag. Other signal flags: These are generally flown on starboard spreader halyard below the courtesy flag if used.

A few useful ones to know are: Vertically White and Blue flag (Divers Flag)..."A" Alpha Flag. This is flown when you have someone in the water diving and warns other vessels to keep well clear. All Red flag..."B" Bravo flag, means danger . Normally seen on tankers etc. Any vessel that is carrying cargo that is deemed dangerous. Multiple Yellow and Blue vertical stripes..."G flag", means that the large vessel is requiring a pilot. It could be worth being cautious. Vertically White and Red ..."H flag", means the pilot is on board and the vessel is under his/her command. It is still worth excersising care as there may be a fast moving pilot vessel running around after dropping off or picking up his pilot. Blue around the outside of a White Flag..."P" Papa flag, means the vessel is about to proceed to sea. Edited to add: A recent thread on flag etiquette has revealed a lot of useful information. I have edited changes to this post in blue. Signal Flags Signal Flags Home > Navigation > Signal Flags Signal Flags We supply sets of useful code flags (an age-old maritime communication method) as well as individual flags (all our U.S.

flags are sewn stripes and embroidered stars), such as the yellow quarantine flag to announce your arrival in port and notify customs and immigration officials that you are ready for processing. Our Code Set flags feature double stitched seams with nylon rope and ash toggles. It contains 26 alphabet flags, 11 pennants, and 3 substitute flags as well as a handy nylon storage bag. Code signals should be approximately 1/2 inch on the 'fly' [horizontal side] for each foot above the waterline of the tallest mast on the boat. (That is, if the top of the mast is 30 feet above the waterline, these flags should be 15 inches on the 'fly', which would be our #NFCS0 Size Zero Set.)

Question: What colour of flag should a ship fly to show it is in quarantine?
Answer: Yellow